By Harriet Tornguvan
President Tinubu is dedicated to fulfilling the needs of Nigerians through ongoing reforms, stating the Honourable Minister of Defence, H.E. Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, CON, mni.
The Minister encouraged those planning protests to instead engage in dialogue with the Federal Government, noting that the administration's initiatives are yielding positive results and that the economy is on a path to recovery.
The Minister highlighted that these reforms have led to significant economic growth, with the first quarter of 2024 experiencing the second fastest growth in six years. Security has also improved under the Renewed Hope Agenda, with previously closed roads and highways reopening and reduced herder-farmer conflicts due to the creation of the Livestock Ministry. Additionally, there have been numerous surrenders and arrests of high-profile terrorists.
He praised the introduction of the Nigerian Student Loan Scheme, which aims to enhance access to higher education by alleviating financial burdens. He also noted a substantial increase in funding for infrastructure projects, including roads, rails, energy, and irrigation, through the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund (RHIDF).
Other significant initiatives include the sale of crude oil to indigenous refining companies in Naira, the signing of the National Minimum Wage Act into law, and granting autonomy to local governments for better accountability and development. Additionally, various palliatives and social security interventions, such as the Post Subsidy Removal Presidential Grant and Loans Scheme, the Nigerian Youth Investment Fund (NYIF), and the Skilled-Up Artisan Initiative (SUPA), have been introduced to support Nigerians.
The launch of the Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) initiative is expected to reduce transportation costs by up to 50 percent, creating job opportunities as CNG conversion centers expand. The Federal Government has also provided 30,000 kits for converting petrol-powered engines and received the first batch of CNG Mass Transit Buses for distribution across the states.
To address high drug costs and encourage local production, the President signed an executive order eliminating tariffs and duties on imports of raw materials and manufacturing equipment for pharmaceuticals. Additionally, the government has disbursed funds for primary healthcare revitalization through the Basic Health Provision Fund.
While acknowledging the right to protest, the Minister cautioned against using protests to cause disruption, emphasizing the progress being made in the economy and the importance of constructive dialogue.
